By Daily Sports on March 15, 2019
Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has explained why he opted to omit Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho from the national team’s latest squad.
The 22-year-old was not named on the Super Eagles’ 23-man roster for their upcoming games against the Seychelles and Egypt.
Nigeria will host the island minnows for their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier (in a dead rubber, as the Super Eagles have already secured their place at the tournament, while Seychelles cannot qualify) on March 22 before taking on Egypt four days later in a friendly.
Both matches will be held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
Iheanacho’s omission is simply down to a lack of playing time. The Nigerian has featured in 25 Premier League matches this season, but the majority of his appearances have been as a substitute.
In fact, Iheanacho has played in just 56 minutes of league football since the turn of the year.
“Kelechi needs to play with his club. He also needs to take advantage of the international break to show his qualities to his new coach,” said Rohr, in reference to arrival of Brendan Rodgers at Leicester.
The German added that Iheanacho needs to start racking up more regular minutes, or he will be in danger of missing out on the continental finals in Egypt.
“I give him time but there is a danger for the AFCON for those who do not play regularly in their club. The final list for the AFCON is far from being made for anyone,” explained Rohr. (African Football)
•Photo shows Kelechi Iheanacho
Source Daily Sports
Posted March 15, 2019
You may also like...
Ronaldo Scores 750th Career Goal In Juventus Win...
Ronaldinho Wishes Messi ‘Many Moments Of Joy’
Ronaldo: It's my dream to stay at Madrid...
Kanu, Finidi reunite at Enyimba
South Sudan Coach Abdelmalik resigns after poor start...
LATEST FOOTBALL RESULTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

President’s death forces aquatic federation calendar shake-up
Diamond League announces Amusan for Prefontaine Classic
Chelle receives Agu, Nwaiwu injury boost
Lagos schools gear up for TASG athletics showcase
D’Tigress open W’Cup qualifying campaign with Colombia clash
Onigbide's contributions helped shape Nigeria’s football, NSC mourns ex-Super Eagles coach
Joshua career-earnings per punch recorded at £172k
Onuachu breaks 14-year Trabzonspor goal record
Musa dedicates derby win to Pillars fan
Rivers United’s scoring run thrills Finidi
How Arsenal can win Premier League
NWFL player Ihotu regains freedom after N1.5m ransom
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,608 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,933 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,838 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,464 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,384 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,291 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,165 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,710 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,888 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,403 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,795 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,270 views)